India’s restriction on Bangladeshi goods: Won’t retaliate, will engage in discussion, commerce secy says

Bangladesh will not take any retaliatory measures in response to India's recently imposed restrictions on the entry of goods through land ports, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said today (20 May).

"We will not take any retaliatory steps. They've taken this step, and we will engage [in discussions] with them," he told reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat with business leaders and secretaries from several ministries.

India has recently imposed restrictions on the entry of several goods, including garments, through land ports. 

After the meeting, convened to determine Bangladesh's course of due action, the commerce secretary said, "Today, we sat with stakeholders on this issue and gathered their opinions. We will make efforts to ensure the situation does not deteriorate further."

He added, "We listened to our business community today. We will discuss this with our policymakers and relevant advisers." 

The commerce secretary also said such restrictions are harmful to businesses in both the neighbouring countries. 

He also mentioned that a meeting at the secretary level between the two countries is being considered to resolve the issue.

He said, "We will point out that not only Bangladeshi businesses are being affected, Indian businesses will also suffer. So, let's sit together and find a solution. We have an established secretariat-level forum with India. Last week, we sent a letter requesting a meeting. Once we receive a response, we'll know when it can be held."

Representatives from various departments attended the meeting, including the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh Land Port Authority, and the Export Promotion Bureau. Business groups were also represented, including FBCCI, BGMEA, and the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.